gape Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an expression of openmouthed astonishment
  2. noun a stare of amazement (usually with the mouth open)
  3. verb look with amazement; look stupidly
    goggle; gawk; gawp.
  4. verb be wide open
    yawn; yaw.
    • the deep gaping canyon

WordNet

Gape intransitive verb
Etymology
OE. gapen, AS. geapan to open; akin to D. gapen to gape, G. gaffen, Icel. & Sw. gapa, Dan. gabe; cf. Skr. jabh to snap at, open the mouth. Cf. Gaby, Gap.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Gaped present participle & verbal noun Gaping
Definitions
  1. To open the mouth wide; as: (a) Expressing a desire for food; as, young birds gape. Dryden.(b) Indicating sleepiness or indifference; to yawn.
    She stretches, gapes, unglues her eyes, And asks if it be time to rise. Swift.
    (c) Showing self-forgetfulness in surprise, astonishment, expectation, etc.
    With gaping wonderment had stared aghast. Byron.
    (d) Manifesting a desire to injure, devour, or overcome.
    They have gaped upon me with their mouth. Job xvi. 10.
  2. To pen or part widely; to exhibit a gap, fissure, or hiatus.
    May that ground gape and swallow me alive! Shak.
  3. To long, wait eagerly, or cry aloud for something; -- with for, after, or at.
    The hungry grave for her due tribute gapes. Denham.
    Syn. -- To gaze; stare; yawn. See Gaze.
Gape noun
Definitions
  1. The act of gaping; a yawn. Addison.
  2. (Zoöl.) The width of the mouth when opened, as of birds, fishes, etc.

Webster 1913